News about agriculture in New York State and information farmers and consumers can use in their daily lives.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Happy National Agriculture Week

This is from the Agriculture Council of America:

Today (March 17) is the first day of National Agriculture Week. Check out some FAQs about Ag Week and Ag Day:

National Ag Day FAQs

What Is Ag Day?

It's a day to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by
agriculture. Every year, producers, agricultural associations,
corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others
across America join together to recognize the contributions of
agriculture.

When Is Ag Day?

Ag Day is celebrated on March 19, 2013. National Ag Day falls during National Ag Week, March 17-23, 2013.

Who Hosts Ag Day?

The Agriculture Council of America hosts the campaign on a national
level. However, the awareness efforts in communities across America are
as influential - if not more - than the broad-scale effort. Again this
year, the Ag Day Planning Guide has been created to help communities and
organizations more effectively host Ag Day events.

What Is Ag Day All About?

Ag Day is about recognizing - and celebrating - the contribution of
agriculture in our everyday lives. The National Ag Day program
encourages every American to:

Understand how food and fiber products are produced.

Value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy.

Appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant and affordable products.

Why Celebrate Agriculture?

Agriculture provides almost everything we eat, use and wear on a
daily basis. But too few people truly understand this contribution. This
is particularly the case in our schools, where students may only be
exposed to agriculture if they enroll in related vocational training.
By building awareness, the Agriculture Council of America is
encouraging young people to consider career opportunities in
agriculture.
Each American farmer feeds more than 144 people ... a dramatic
increase from 25 people in the 1960s. Quite simply, American agriculture
is doing more - and doing it better. As the world population soars,
there is an even greater demand for the food and fiber produced in the
United States.

What Can I Do to Help?

Put simply, get involved! Your participation in Ag Day is critical in
helping us spread this positive message about agriculture. If you are
interested in planning an event, download your Planning Guide today. Of
course, there are other ways you can lend your support, including
sending a letter to your local newspaper, calling your Congressional
representatives or simply sharing information about agriculture with
youngsters in your community.